More Twenty Questions: “I want something to chew on. Something with two ends. Something with two openings.” “Is it a straw?”

A- didn’t want me to think out loud, so she said, “No mama talk to her heart. Talk to me.”

“Do you have your membership card?”

“I love love love dinosaurs.”

Self-care and independence

A- slept in the middle of the bed after asking me to give her more space. She’s becoming more independent.

We went for a meet and greet with a family doctor taking new patients. A- was initially hesitant, but she warmed up after getting a not-entirely-necessary ear exam, a definitely unnecessary bandage, and a bunch of stickers. We’ll check out a nearby doctor first before deciding on one and sending the records over.

There’s a rough spot on one of A-‘s teeth where the bond seems to be peeling away. A- patiently let me look at her tooth.

A- can handle chewable acetaminophen.

A- announced, “I need to go to bed.” Then she went upstairs and got started on the bedtime routine.

Sleep

W- managed to insist on A- having a nap by being quiet and in a dark room. I think he sat in front of the door and patted her back. She fell asleep on the carpet.

Emotion

A- probably felt a bit overwhelmed and overtired after the party at Uncle Jason’s. After we had settled in at home, she had a tantrum. She tried exercising too much control over play, so W- took a break, and then A- got super upset and didn’t want to be touched or consoled. Eventually she wanted me to pick her up, and I snuggled her and helped her calm down. I told her my best guess of how she was feeling and why, and she said, “Yeah.” She also asked me to talk about the day, so I reviewed it with her, and we talked a little about the fun she had as well.

I forgot the carrier at a friend’s place. A- had a big tantrum because she wanted to be carried in it.

To help A- with her emotions, we talked a little about breathing.

The daily review sometimes triggers tantrums. I wonder if I should avoid talking about the things that might upset her, or maybe move our review to when she has more energy…

A- tried tipping chairs over to express her frustration.

Social

Hala invited us for an impromptu get-together along with Ewan, E-, and S-. I was a little worried about A-‘s energy level because she hadn’t napped, but she was just fine. We all had lots of fun. A- particularly liked playing with toys and watching the other kids. I brought the garlic mushroom and broccoli dish I’d made just that afternoon – good timing!

We shared some of the pizza we made with a friend who lives nearby.

A- was getting fixated on Facebook video effects, and I didn’t like how it distracted from our conversations with Lola. I’m going to nudge us away from it.

We visited Joy and J-. It was good to spend time with them, especially as they’ve been avoiding drop-in centres in order to minimize the risk of getting sick.

A- is becoming more social. She often talks about friends, is excited about seeing people, and asks to invite people over or visit them.

Pretend

A- put some playdough in a cup and told me that she made halo halo for me.

Cognition

A- liked the bunny filter in Facebook video chat. The filter made a carrot fly in whenever A- opened her mouth, so A- asked for a real carrot and munched on that too.

A- looked at the clock and announced it was quarter to eight, which it was.

A- completed the ring puzzle in order of size, correcting herself along the way.

Other

A- found the baby hat I made her. She had fun wearing it again, and the sight was very amusing.